I am building a house and needed some advice and guidance on how I should approach this installation. I recently purchased a Jotul 550 and in reading the documentation, I am able to install it in a prefab fireplace meeting certain requirements. That is all well and good, however, I have no idea which prefab to get. I want a safe one, but at the same time, I don't need anything spectacular since I am just going to stick the Jotul in it. Any advice on make, model size, etc. that would give me what I need would be greatly appreciated. I have a call into the installer, but I have not been able to get a return call and thought I'd get a head start here.
Jotul 550 in a prefab fireplace
- Thread starter FenderBender
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Loco Gringo
Feeling the Heat
If I were building I would go all out with stone but if it were brick look at post 3 in this thread. Its so sweet. https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/70784/
I am doing the surround with stacked stone. I am a complete nube at this stuff and I went in thinking I would not need a fireplace so to speak, that the insert was actually taking the place of the fireplace. I still want the insert, I guess I have just got to buckle under and pay for it twice?
Here is an image of what I'd like this to resemble. Hopefully it comes through.
Here is an image of what I'd like this to resemble. Hopefully it comes through.
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![[Hearth.com] Jotul 550 in a prefab fireplace](/talk/data/attachments/41/41238-817ad820437a093b4463b83f417477d3.jpg?hash=Pyo6OQCcgX)
It would be very hard to find a pre-fab that a 550 will fit into easily. We do several pre-fab/insert installs and it can be very hard. My suggestion would be to sell the Jotul and look into other zero clearance heaters like the Fireplace extrordinaire (broken link removed to http://fireplacex.com/product
uide/detail.aspx?id=97), Or the Kozy Z-42 (broken link removed to http://www.kozyheat.com/products/woodburning/z42/index.html), Or the Supreme www.supremem.com It seems very strange to buy a pre-fab fireplace only to stick an insert into it. These are serious heaters, not just fireplaces, give them a look.
uide/detail.aspx?id=97), Or the Kozy Z-42 (broken link removed to http://www.kozyheat.com/products/woodburning/z42/index.html), Or the Supreme www.supremem.com It seems very strange to buy a pre-fab fireplace only to stick an insert into it. These are serious heaters, not just fireplaces, give them a look.Thanks. I have come to the same conclusion as you have. I just purchased it 4 days ago and they honor returns within 10 days, so it's a done deal. I actually never took delivery, just put down some money towards the purchase. I actually intended on getting something like you suggested and thought this one would fit the bill. I usually do a ton of research on this stuff, but was trying to save some time and pulled the trigger too soon.
Funny, I was just looking at the xtrordinair...Looks great!
Funny, I was just looking at the xtrordinair...Looks great!
The Extraordinaire is a great heater, it's on the high end of the bill though. It has a catalist which makes longer burns and great heat, but the glass will get dirty when the air is turned down. We have installed 4 or 5 this year and we ran the display about every day, very nice.
Webby, you have know idea how much I appreciate your responses here. I have been calling the recommended installer from where I purchased this item since Saturday to get answers to these questions with no response. Hey, I know he is probably busy, but the fact you responded so quickly with no reason to dose is what makes these forums so helpful. Too bad for me you are not located in the Carolinas.
Although I love the xtrordinair, it is probably more fireplace than I need when looking at the cost. I saw somewhere that they run over 5k installed. Do you have any specific recommendations for one in the 3k range? Is there such a thing? I have 2500 sqft down with 400 in bonus area. We will have a heat pump and I was just looking for something functional in a wood burning category to supplement my HP.
Although I love the xtrordinair, it is probably more fireplace than I need when looking at the cost. I saw somewhere that they run over 5k installed. Do you have any specific recommendations for one in the 3k range? Is there such a thing? I have 2500 sqft down with 400 in bonus area. We will have a heat pump and I was just looking for something functional in a wood burning category to supplement my HP.
It's gonna be kinda hard to be in the 3K range including the labor. The FPX is going to be much more than 5K installed, more like 8K. I would suggest looking at the Supreme, or look into a freestanding Jotul and a class A chimney system, you might have to find a second hand stove and a new chimney system to be in the 3K range though.FenderBender said:
Good that you are considering the alternatives. These days you can put in a beautiful, efficient zc fireplace. No need for the insert at all. However, I too would recommend considering a good looking, freestanding woodstove with a nice fire view, or even a masonry fireplace.
This question came up recently in another thread: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/70625/
This question came up recently in another thread: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/70625/
webby3650 said:
I got a quote today for the 44 xtrordinair for 6400 installed and the next model down for about 800 less than that. Lennox was running in the low 5s.
My contractor will build me an alcove for free if I go with a freestanding model. I need to spend some time looking at these setups first. Oh and I was quoted 3500 on a Buck stove 91 model installed. I really have no idea if the are good prices.
The Buck 91 price is decent, though it depends on the flue piping required. What does that quote include?
Those prices sound pretty cheap to me, make sure they include all the pipe, chase cover/flashing, labor, everything necessary to complete the job. Does the Buck include Class A chimney too? Why not a Jotul F500 or F600? Keep in mind that the Supreme is SS inside, I kinda like that! Is there a dealer near you?FenderBender said:
I am positive about the prices and yes everything is included. I asked at the time of each quote. As for the Buck stove, this dealer quoting me these prices is different than the one I purchased the jotul from earlier in this post. The original dealer is trying to sell me on an F 3 CB. They are having a 10% off sale on all in stock items. This first dealer does not offer any installation, just the stove.
The second dealer did not sell Jotul. If these are good prices on fireplaces, then I may just need to step up and get one of them. I love the look of a fireplace and hearth. I get 1500 credit for what was coin to be installed so everything over that is on me.
The second dealer did not sell Jotul. If these are good prices on fireplaces, then I may just need to step up and get one of them. I love the look of a fireplace and hearth. I get 1500 credit for what was coin to be installed so everything over that is on me.
I would slow way down. First you need to know what your needs will really be. There is a world of difference between the F3CB and a Buck 91. Take time to get educated on this purchase.
Let's start over here. Describe the house, size, floor layout, stove location and if you can post a floorplan.
Let's start over here. Describe the house, size, floor layout, stove location and if you can post a floorplan.
I'm sorry, I type faster than I think, which is not really that good. I was referring to the credit my contractor will give me towards what he would have installed. The real problem I have with the first place is they can't package sales with service. My concern is I will buy something from them and then struggle to find someone qualified to complete the installation and then if something goes wrong, you have a bunch of finger pointing. I am checking out the Supreme you mentioned earlier to see how it stacks up.
![[Hearth.com] Jotul 550 in a prefab fireplace](/talk/data/attachments/41/41323-ef2da0f0bab7fa24b979b91329a9a45a.jpg?hash=rVuTYnYSPS)
Great. That helps a lot. Blow off the idea of an F3CB unless the idea is to warm one room only. This is a sprawling floorplan which will be hard to heat from the Hearth room. A ducted, high efficiency fireplace in the hearth room would help deliver heat to the great room area area. The more central Great room is the best location for a stove because it's more the core of the house. If you go smaller in the hearth room, I would plan for a stove the great room in the long term, even if it can't happen right away.
Just a word of caution, most builders don't know very much about wood or gas appliances. All the reputable builders in this area sub this out. I would recommend finding a hearth store that also installs or use a certified sweep for the install. If you have any problems after it is installed, the builder will not know how to troubleshoot or make the necessary repairs, a reputable hearth store will likely get it taken care of pretty quickly.
The great room is where the fireplace or the stove will go. What I as trying to convey earlier is we are deleting the fireplace from the hearth room/ kitchen area and going with just the one. Thanks for the advice on the stove.
As for my builder, he already suggested that this be subbed out by someone who is more familiar with this installation. It really boils down to whether I want to pony up the extra money for a fireplace or whether I go with a stove. What are your thoughts on the smaller Xtrordinair FPX 36? How about Lennox Montecito?
I know the FPX is catalytic, but is is a little smaller. Based on my recollection, they will be comparable in cost based on what I was quoted.
As for my builder, he already suggested that this be subbed out by someone who is more familiar with this installation. It really boils down to whether I want to pony up the extra money for a fireplace or whether I go with a stove. What are your thoughts on the smaller Xtrordinair FPX 36? How about Lennox Montecito?
I know the FPX is catalytic, but is is a little smaller. Based on my recollection, they will be comparable in cost based on what I was quoted.
![[Hearth.com] Jotul 550 in a prefab fireplace](/talk/data/attachments/41/41540-e1705ff3e93eec50fadb9838a90528c9.jpg?hash=U8PWQ6rFt4)
I appreciate all of the help here. I am ready to close out this thread and start a new one asking for some help in deciding which fireplace to select going forward. Thanks everyone.
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